Getting a driving license in the UAE has always been a big deal. And now, with the pandemic in place, the process has also instilled a fear among residents. Driving schools across the city have reopened, allowing residents to resume classes. However, a few things have changed, as part of the precautionary measures. Driving schools have put several precautionary measures in place to keep students and staff safe. Here’s a detailed list of all that you need to know in order to get a driving licence in the UAE. Meanwhile, did you know Dubai Ranked Second Best City In The World For Driving?
What Is The Process To Get A Licence In The UAE?
To get a new driving license, a citizen or a resident needs to apply to a registered driving institute in the related emirate to attend driving training classes and pass all tests (if required). After finishing all classes and passing all tests, the applicant can get a new driving licence valid for 2 years for citizens, GCC nationals and other nationalities. Applicants can start the whole process from the authorised driving institutes.
Also read: 7 Free Online Services Available Now In The UAE
Who Is Eligible To Drive In The UAE?
Individual customers, citizens and residents, who are above the legal age and medically fit, are eligible to get a driving learning permit and apply for new driving licence. The minimum age requirement to obtain a driving licence depends on the vehicle, for which you are obtaining the licence. The minimum age requirement is as follows:
- 17 years for motorcycles and for vehicles for people with special needs
- 18 years for cars and light vehicles
- 20 years for heavy vehicles and tractors
- 21 years for buses.
What Are The Required Documents & Procedures?
Documents required to open a traffic file include:
- Copy of passport and residence visa page
- Copy and original emirates ID card
- 2 photographs
- Eye test report
- No objection letter from the sponsor (if required by the related traffic department).
Procedures followed to learn car driving includes:
- Opening a traffic file in one of the registered driving centres in the related emirate
- Conducting an eye test at any centre approved by the traffic department
- Completing all required driving classes
- Passing all tests set by the related traffic department
- Obtaining the driving licence from the traffic authority
UAE driving licence can soon be exchanged for a British version. Wondering how? Well, motorists who pass their driving test in the UAE can now exchange their licence for a British one. As per the new rules, motorists who own a UAE driving license need not repeat their test in case they move to the UK. Isn’t that awesome? Read on to know more!
UAE Residents Can Now Exchange Their Licence For A British One
As per previous rules, motorists who own a UAE driving licence can use the same in the UK for up to one year, before applying for a British licence. Getting a driver’s licence in the UK can cost around AED 5000.
However, the new rule eliminates the need for drivers with UAE licence to apply for a new one when in the UK. The new move will benefit UAE students who go the UK to study, travellers who stay in the UK for a long time, and UK expats who work in the UAE and later plan to get back to their home country. Exchanging a UAE licence for a British one will cost AED 223.
The move came because British officials found UAE’s driving test on par with the UK. Further, they also found the level of instructions and examination to be similar. “Testing standards for the specified vehicle categories are equivalent and so there is no value in requiring the driver to repeat a test to get a GB licence,” the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency said.
However, there might be one issue fro Emiratis visiting the UK. A large number of cars in the UK are manual, whereas in the UAE most cars used are automatic. Motorists who own an automatic licence will have to opt for an automatic car or take a small number of lessons and repeat the test in order to get a manual licence.